This single family, three-bedroom home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn emphasizes efficiency in its interior organization and approach to energy usage. The client’s interest in optimizing thermal comfort and minimizing energy consumption and cost led to the adoption of Passive House design strategies.

As the rear of two buildings on a single zoning lot, the home is fronted by a 25’ x 25’ courtyard, and bound by a 5’ deep yard at the back. Interior spaces are organized around three floors with discrete functions—utility, living, sleeping—with an entrance at the cellar. The 25’ wide lot allowed for a centrally located interior stair, behind which service spaces are located. A large skylight accentuates the stair as a porous vertical volume within the house. Perforated metal treads and risers bring in light throughout the day, and wood screens divide the space while allowing partial visibility across the otherwise open living floor.

Photography by Florian Holzherr.